Analysis: Ten Priorities for the EU’s Economic Security Agenda

At a time of growing geopolitical tension, rapid technological change and increased global economic fragmentation, the European Union faces challenges regarding economic security. This analysis presents ten priorities to help the EU respond effectively and position itself as a constructive partner in the global economy.

Hannes Berggren, what is the main focus of this analysis?

This analysis outlines priorities for how the EU can strengthen its economic security in an era of rising geopolitical tension, technological competition and economic fragmentation. We hope that these priorities can contribute to the EU’s economic security without sacrificing overall openness or competitiveness.

The analysis outlines ten priorities. Why are these relevant?

These priorities are relevant for the EU’s goal of addressing risk and opportunities in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape.

The priorities are categorised under the EU’s economic security pillars – protect, promote and partner – with a fourth added: prepare. The underlying logic behind each priority is that the EU’s economic security policies should be evidence-based, cooperative and grounded in economic strength.

What role does the EU’s single market play in strengthening economic security?

This analysis underscores that the single market is the foundation of Europe’s economic gravity. To strengthen this foundation, the EU should set measurable goals to reduce internal fragmentation, improve regulatory efficiency and focus industrial policy on productivity rather than market intervention.

How should the EU position itself as a constructive partner in the global economy?

The EU should deepen partnerships with like-minded economies, diversify trade to reduce strategic dependencies and uphold the multilateral system. For example, this could include creating a rules-based trade coalition. In addition, strengthening the EU’s trade and development offer can reinforce its role as a constructive global leader.

What is the National Board of Trade Sweden?

The National Board of Trade is the Swedish government agency for international trade, the EU internal market and trade policy. Our mission is to facilitate free and open trade with transparent rules as well as free movement in the EU internal market. We provide the Swedish Government with independent analyses, reports and policy recommendations and take into account the views of businesses of all sizes in international trade policy-related matters.